WeQuit: Pilot Results for a Couple-Based Smoking Cessation Web App

Couple-based smoking cessation interventions can be more effective than individual ones in initiating and maintaining cessation behaviors, but they often require costly in-person visits. More affordable and accessible options are needed.

The aim of this study was to develop a couple-based, web-app, WeQuit, for smoking couples and to pilot-test its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects. Using Family Systems theory, WeQuit was developed focusing on three relational constructs: communal coping, smoking-system fit, and ironic processes. Feasibility was evaluated by completion rates and time spent on the app. Acceptability was determined by using standardized measures of perceived usability and satisfaction with WeQuit. Preliminary effects were determined by changes in smoking-related and relational couple dynamic variables.

Forty couples were invited and completed WeQuit. Nearly half of the primary smoking participants were female (n = 20, 50.0%) and Black (n = 18, 45.0%). About 77.5% (n = 31/40) and 45.0% (n = 18/ 40) completed more than half and 100% of the program, respectively. WeQuit was perceived as "very useful" (80.0 %) and "very easy to use (87.0 %). Respondents felt 'very confident developing quit plans' (80.0 %) and 'very satisfied" (87.0 %). WeQuit significantly improved positive partner support (p<.001). Participants who quit showed significant improvements in positive partner support (p<.001) and dyadic efficacy (p=.006).

This study reveals that the theory-guided couple-based web-app, WeQuit, holds promise for promoting smoking cessation among smoking couples. Future research will involve a large pilot trial to evaluate the effectiveness of WeQuit on smoking cessation outcomes.

This pilot study introduces WeQuit, a novel, theory-driven, couple-based web app, addressing the need for affordable and accessible alternatives to in-person smoking cessation treatment. By leveraging Family Systems theory and focusing on relational constructs, WeQuit demonstrates high feasibility and acceptability among smoking couples. The preliminary findings from forty smoking couples suggest promising effects on positive partner support and dyadic efficacy, key factors in successful cessation. This work contributes to the literature by offering a scalable, relationship-focused approach that can potentially broaden the reach of effective smoking cessation support.